Choose Your Boss, Not Your Job

Out of every advice I’ve been given, the one that has stayed with me even today is choosing your boss wisely.

Some might find the above piece of advice a hard pill to swallow as we live in a world that operates completely opposite i.e the boss selects a candidate, not the other way around.

Just like you prioritize your monthly cheque, location, flexibility and other factors, it’s high time that you should start putting the focus on who your boss is going to be along with other things.

Why it matters...

A few days ago, I came across a Forbes article that stated that more than 2 million people are quitting their jobs almost every month. What’s alarming is that the number of voluntary quits is growing and won’t be stopping anytime soon.

Always remember that employees leave their managers not their companies. Given how much depends on your boss, he is:

• A major influence on your work
• An important factor that could impact your promotion or bonus
• Either a supporter or demoralizer
• A problem-solver or puts you in them

Two types of bosses

From my years of work experience, I have been on both the sides - a subordinate and now, a manager at ProofHub. Thus, I have been on two extreme sides with the bosses I have worked with.

A boss can be broadly categorized as a good one and a bad one. I absolutely loved how Oleg Vishnepolsky described good boss as someone who is supportive, open-minded, doesn’t micromanage, appreciates good work, gives constructive feedback, drives retention, and is empathetic.

On the contrary, a bad boss will always be self-focused, cold, fickle-minded, controlling, and will treat you badly.

Whether good or bad, you have to deal with your boss on every working day. Needless to say, a boss is often the best or worst part of an employee’s job.

Going by the numbers:

A boss wields a great influence over employees - whether positive or negative, I’d let you choose yourself by the following facts and figures:

• 44% of millennials plan to leave their current bosses in the next two years. (Infographic)
• Three-out-of-four employees report their boss is the worst and most stressful part of their job. (Source)
• 65% of employees would rather have a new manager than a pay raise. (Source)
• 79 percent of people who quit their jobs cite ‘lack of appreciation’ by their bosses as their reason for leaving. (Source)

How to pick the right boss

• Research your prospective boss: Check her profile on LinkedIn. Take a look at her career growth. See how well known she is. Gauge her leadership qualities from an outside perspective. Ask yourself if you’d like to be mentored by her or not.
• Make the most of your interview: Interviews are a two-way process. Both the interviewer and the interviewee get a chance to assess each other. Look for non-verbal cues. See if he treats you nicely or trying to establish an upper hand. 
• Ask the right questions: Seek an answer to every question on your mind. Ask about his usual day at work, job responsibilities, and most challenging project. With every word, you’ll get clarity if you’d like to work with him or not.
• Trust your gut: Even if the interview went well but if deep inside something doesn’t feel right, don’t go for it. Trust your gut and here's hoping you pick the right boss.

If however, you are not in a position to choose, go with the job and try winning your boss over to your side with hard work and sincerity.

So, what would you prioritize - a job or a boss? Tell me in the comments below.

Author Bio:

Vartika Kashyap is the Marketing Manager at ProofHub and has been one of the LinkedIn Top Voices in 2017. Her articles are inspired by office situations and work-related events. She likes to write about productivity, team building, work culture, leadership, entrepreneurship among others and contributing to a better workplace is what makes her click. Follow her on Linkedin.